India, Feb. 4 -- Google is moving closer to giving its Gemini assistant the ability to handle tasks directly on Android phones, according to new details found in a beta version of the Google app. The feature, described as "screen automation," aims to allow Gemini to interact with certain apps on behalf of users, including placing orders or booking rides.

Evidence of this upcoming capability appears in version 17.4 beta of the Google app, 9to5Google reported. The information surfaced through an APK teardown, a process that examines app code to identify features that may appear in future updates. While such findings do not confirm public release plans, they often signal directions the company is testing internally.

According to 9to5Google...